Overview
Rinaldo 'Ronnie' Di Stasio and his namesake restaurants are major players in the Melbourne hospitality industry, and they have been for almost four decades. Now, their future existence hinges on whether Ronnie's (and business partner Mallory Wall's) companies can settle the outstanding debts allegedly owing to the Australian Taxation Office — and it appears they have just days to do so.
As reported by The Age, two of Di Stasio's companies, Di Stasio Pty Ltd and Di Stasio Citta Pty Ltd, were recently served winding-up applications and given 21 days to settle tax debts totalling just shy of $1 million. The debts of $200,000 and $710,000, respectively, relate to Cafe Di Stasio in St Kilda and Di Stasio Citta in the CBD. The brand's Carlton outpost (where a pizza could set you back a casual $54) is not impugned in the Federal Court action.
If the debts are not settled on time, the companies could be deemed insolvent, with a liquidator appointed. The winding-up applications are set down for hearing by the Federal Court on October 31 and November 7. At the time of publishing, it appears that the restaurants continue to trade as usual.
Images: Kate Shanasy.
Check out the best Italian restaurants in Melbourne now.